Cape Verde
Atlantic islands, kitesurfing and a "no stress" vibe.
Cape Verde seen from Republic of the Congo: Atlantic islands, kitesurfing and a "no stress" vibe. Entry formalities, real budget, best seasons and what to do — tailored to a Congolese passport.
In pictures
The visa, step by step
How to apply
Consular visa to obtain before departure — relatively accessible. Apply at the embassy/consulate or via the official portal.
Required documents
- Passport valid 6 months
- Visa application form
- Passport photos
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation & funds
- Yellow fever certificate
Good to know
- •Since 1 Jan 2026, visa from an embassy/consulate before travel (no more visa on arrival); EASE pre-registration too.
- •Requirements and fees vary by consulate; check the official source before applying.
- •Keep a yellow fever certificate for the return: your country (Republic of the Congo) requires it from all arriving travellers.
Countdown checklist
Every step dated back from your departure.
- J-60Check your passport
Valid ≥ 6 months after return + 2 blank pages.
- J-45Book the flight
Best fares are usually gone 6–8 weeks out.
- J-41Gather the visa documents
Passport valid 6 months · Visa application form · Passport photos · Return ticket · Proof of accommodation & funds
- J-31Submit the visa application
Observed processing: Several days to weeks + safety margin.
- J-21Health: vaccines & yellow card
Yellow fever often required; malaria prophylaxis depending on the area.
- J-3eSIM, insurance & money
Data on landing, travel insurance, some cash.
- J-1Print / back up your documents
Passport, visa, tickets, bookings (paper + phone).
Indicative lead times, computed with a safety margin from observed processing times. Reconfirm with official sources.
A one-week budget
Round-trip flight from Brazzaville
420 000 FCFA–780 000 FCFAFlights from Brazzaville (ASKY, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc…), depending on the destination.
Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.
Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)
Budget simulator
What to do there
Santa Maria (Sal)
Beach and fishermen's pier.
Pedra de Lume
Float in the salt crater.
Kite Beach
Kitesurfing and windsurfing (Dec-April).
Buracona "Blue Eye"
Volcanic pools.
Shark Bay
Boat trip with lemon sharks and turtles.
Cidade Velha (Santiago)
First colonial town (UNESCO).
Fogo volcano
Hike to the summit (2,829m).
One week, day by day
- D1
Arrival in Sal, check in at Santa Maria, sunset.
- D2
Beach day + pier and fish market.
- D3
North of Sal: Pedra de Lume, Buracona, Espargos.
- D4
Boat trip (turtles/sharks) or kitesurfing.
- D5
Flight to Praia, Plateau and Sucupira market.
- D6
Cidade Velha: fortress, UNESCO history + beach.
- D7
Souvenirs (grogue, coffee) and return.
Travel checklist
A printable list (or save as PDF) so you forget nothing.
Travel checklist — Cap-Vert
Before you leave
What to pack
Indicative data (October 2026), reliability haute. Visa rules, prices and timelines change: always confirm with official sources before booking.
Already been to Cape Verde?
Your feedback helps future travellers plan their trip better. It only takes a few minutes.